Louisiana Updates Chronic Wasting Disease Zone Boundaries
The state adjusted management zones and added drop-off sites to improve deer testing.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Hunting
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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has reduced the radius of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management zones from 25 miles to 15 miles from known positive cases. These changes impact four specific management zones located across northeast and central Louisiana.
Why it matters
State officials require specific sampling quotas to determine the apparent prevalence of the disease. Future regulations regarding baiting and supplemental feeding depend on these findings, as the state aims to maintain a positive prevalence below 2.5%.
The LDWF has set a target of 145 deer head samples per management zone. This effort is supported by new drop-off cooler locations at the Union-Ouachita Parish line and near the Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge in Avoyelles Parish.
The players
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
This state agency is responsible for the management and conservation of Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries resources.
The details
Hunters are required to submit deer samples at designated cooler locations, with maps provided on the department website. Hunters in these zones may continue to place bait and supplemental feed until the designated deadline.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued the updated CWD management regulations.
March 31, 2027: The legal period for baiting and supplemental feeding in CWD management zones ends.
Culture Shift
This regulatory update follows a pattern set by the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, which prioritizes science-based management to sustain wildlife populations. It highlights the shifting responsibility of hunters to participate in disease surveillance to protect local ecosystems.
Hunters in northeast and central Louisiana must now adhere to the revised 15-mile management zone boundaries. These participants should also familiarize themselves with the new sample cooler locations to ensure compliance with sampling quotas.
The takeaway
Participating in deer testing programs is essential for hunters to help the state monitor disease spread and preserve future hunting opportunities. Hunters should regularly check official department updates to remain informed on changing zone boundaries and seasonal baiting rules.
What happens next
The legal period for hunters to use bait and supplemental feed in CWD Management zones will conclude on March 31, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit the Louisiana Hunting section.
More information
Find your nearest station at the LDWF CWD sample drop-off locations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Louisianaradionetwork.
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